How to secure part of $450 million capital grants for non-government schools

In 2024, Australian governments approved over $450 million in capital grants to more than 337 non-government schools to improve school infrastructure. This funding translates to an average grant of approximately $1.3 million per school.
 
As non-government school enrolments grow and costs increase, these grants address critical infrastructure needs for schools with demonstrated financial need. And we know an important attribute of financially sustainable schools is maintaining and improving facilities.
 
Capital grant programs available 
Information from Government websites about various funding programs include: 

• Australian Government — Capital Grants Program
• Queensland Government — State Capital Assistance Scheme
• Victorian Government — Building Fund for Non-Government Schools
• New South Wales Government — Building Grants Assistance Scheme

Applications for grant funding must be made to the Block Grant Authority in your state or territory.

How Somerset Education can assist your school
Somerset Education can provide assistance with the preparation or review of applications in accordance with Australian and State government program guidelines. This helps schools to:

Our SKI Scenario Builder™ forecasting tool offers advanced support for planning capital expenditure, funding and borrowing strategies. This tool ensures that schools can present robust financial plans as part of their BGA applications including “what if” scenarios. Our multi-year budget model is also available. This model builds a Statement of Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows, and Financial Position (Balance Sheet) 10 years into the future plus a KPI sheet which analyses key ratios.

Somerset team experience
John Somerset | John is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA) with qualifications in Commerce plus a Master of Business by Research on the topic of school financial sustainability. John has over 38 years’ experience in chartered accounting with the past 28 years focused on the Independent Schools sector including benchmarking, financial analysis and governance.
Contact | Email john@somerseteducation.net or phone 0417 618 899.

David Reed | David is a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant (FCPA) with qualifications in Business, Finance and Accounting plus a Master of Business Administration. David has over 12 years’ experience in the education business sector, including a concurrent role on the finance advisory committee of ISQ BGA for five years. 
Contact | Email david@somerseteducation.net or phone 0429 164 528.

Next steps
To seek support or a review of your capital application, or for more information, reach out to David or John at Somerset Education.